Former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss has told of his 'immense grief and sadness' after his wife died following a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Ruth Strauss, who was 46, was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease in December 2017. Her death today sparked an outpouring of support and tributes from celebrities and stars of the cricket world.

Andrew Strauss stepped down from his position as director of cricket with the England and Wales Cricket Board in October in order to spend more time with her as she fought the condition.

In a statement released today through the England and Wales Cricket Board, he said: 'It is with great sadness and immense grief that we have to announce that Ruth passed away today as a result of her rare lung cancer. Sam, Luca and I will miss her terribly.'

Andrew Strauss's wife Ruth has died at the age of 46 after battling a rare form of lung cancer

Andrew, Ruth and their two sons, Sam (L) and Luca, celebrate after winning the Ashes in 2009

He said his family will now set up a foundation in Ruth's memory to raise funds for cancer treatment and research.

And added: 'Anyone who has met Ruth will know how loving, caring and passionately protective she was of her family and it gives us huge comfort that she was in Australia, the land of her birth, surrounded by those who love her, in her final moments.

'We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to those that have helped with her treatment over the last 12 months, in particular the wonderful team at University College Hospital in London.

'Ruth desperately wanted to help those affected by this terrible disease and we will be launching a foundation in due course to raise much needed funds to aid research and also to offer support to patients and their families.'

As did Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara, who said: 'Tragic news about the passing Of Ruth Strauss.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew and their family in this time of sorrow.'

Ruth Strauss pictured outside Landmark Hotel in London in 2009 before her diagnosis

Those paying tribute were not limited to the cricketing world, as Luke Donald, a former golf world number one, also tweeted his condolences.

'My brother in law and nephew got to play with Andrew Strauss at the Grove a couple of years ago.

'Andrew couldn't have been nicer to my then 9 year old nephew, generous with his time, encouragement & praise. So sorry to hear about the passing of his wife - so sad #RIPRuth,' he said.

The pair met in Ruth's native Australia where she died. The former England captain, born in South Africa, said it gave the family 'huge comfort' that she died in her native Australia.

Andrew Strauss with wife Ruth before the start of the Virgin London Marathon 2013 Virgin London Marathon

Strauss met Ruth in Sydney in 1998, and the couple went on to marry five years later.

After captaining England to Ashes success over his wife's home country in 2009, the Test star credited her for playing a major role in his success.

Speaking when he gave up his role after learning of his wife's diagnosis, Andrew told press: 'We are very lucky that she has been well until now but she is starting a new treatment on Friday that will be more challenging for her and as such I will be stepping back from my day to day duties while that treatment is going on.

'Day to day, Andy Flower (Zimbabwean cricketer) will be stepping in for me over the course of the summer. He will fill my shoes very adequately.

'I look forward to returning after the treatment has finished and grabbing the reins again.

'For this period of time my focus needs to be on supporting Ruth and my family at a challenging time.'

Andrew Strauss collecting his OBE in 2011 with his wife Ruth at Windsor Castle in Berkshire

Piers Morgan also paid tribute, saying: 'Dreadful news about the death of Ruth Strauss from cancer at just 46.

'My deepest condolences to her husband Andrew & their two sons. RIP.'

Cricket commentator for the BBC, Jonathan Agnew, added: 'All our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew Strauss and his family.